G7 Monday June 16 20205 BBC expects

Big moment for Carney as Iran derails plans

This summit was set to be a test of his ability to meet three lofty goals he advanced for Canada - taking a leadership role on the global stage, becoming the strongest G7 economy and weaning off US dependency. Now the Iran issue has suddenly shot to the top of the G7 agenda, a subject on which finding agreement will be tricky.

But one thing is clear. Carney will be closely watched for how he handles US President Donald Trump, who has frequently undermined Canada's sovereignty.

• Iran issue sure to dominate G7 summit

The Trump factor

The summit is taking place amid a global trade war started by Trump, who is using tariffs as a way to rebalance trading relationships. ng.

A discussion on the global economy will kick off the summit on Monday morning.

But Trump's November election win has shifted the global agenda beyond trade. The gathering offers the president a chance to secure wins on some of his other priorities, such as migration, critical minerals, security and drug trafficking - all of which are on the agenda later in the day.

The president has met each of his G7 counterparts since taking office but he will line up one-on-one meetings on the sidelines - he has already got Carney in his diary for Monday morning.

Avoiding a walkout like in 2018

• Who's who in famous G7 photoCanada has chosen to eschew a final communique completely in favour of six of short joint statements on wildfires, critical minerals and other key agenda items.

Forest fires, AI, critical minerals and Ukraine

Ukraine is another pressing topic on the agenda, with President Volodomyr Zelensky there hoping to discuss continued support for his country, sanctions against Russia and future financing for reconstruction efforts. Tuesday morning will focus on that conflict, with Ukraine expected to push for more sanctions on Russia.

Carney has also placed countering foreign interference - notably interference in global diaspora communities - high on the summit's agenda, setting up potential for tense discussions with some of the attending leaders who are not part of the G7.

Geopolitical minefields

As host, Canada also invites leaders not permanently attached to the seven-member group, and Carney has given a number the nod to attend, some more controversial than others.

As mentioned, Zelensky will be there.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be a guest, with Carney saying there are important discussions that India, as a major economic force, should be a part of.

Modi's attendance comes amid deeply strained relations between the two countries over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil.

• Carney invites Modi to G7, signalling thaw in relations
• Canada pledges to meet Nato's 2% defence spending target within a year

Canada has accused India of carrying out that targeted killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar two years ago and the G7 invitation has received backlash among some Sikh Canadians.

Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has confirmed she will be in Kananaskis and expects to sit down with Trump for the first time.

Her presence sets the stage for talks on North American trade, which has been upended by Trump's tariffs.

Carney has also invited European and Nato leaders and his counterparts from Australia, South Africa, South Korea, Indonesia, and Brazil.